Cancer Gene Therapy - In 1991 two protocols for cancer gene therapy were initiated in USA. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF, an anticancer agent) gene or lL-2 (Interleukin-2) gene is inserted in TIL tumours cells isolated from the patient and grown in culture. These gene corrected cells are then injected into the body of patient other cancer gene therapy protocols have also been approved.

In December 1991, a conference titled 'Human Gene Therapy' was held at National Institute of Health in USA and concluded that gene therapy will soon become a potent force in medicine to deal with heart diseases, liver diseases, diabetes, and a variety of cancers.

It was hoped that gene therapy will eventually playa role in disease prevention by correcting deficiencies right at birth. The cellular vehicles for gene transfer are also multiplying and will include endothelial cells and myoblasts, besides lymphocytes. More latest details are available in Science (8 may, 1992).